10 Apple Mobile, Desktop Products Worthy as Enterprise Standards

By Don Reisinger |
Posted 2012-08-13

iPhone 4S

When an enterprise decides to make the iPhone the corporate smartphone standard, it will then need to decide whether to select the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4 or iPhone 4S. Rather than waste time trying to determine what's best, let's just make it easy: Choose the iPhone 4S. That device will come with the best signal quality, the most carrier options and the fastest processor. Need any other reasons to choose it?

New iPad

But if your employees need a light, highly mobile handheld computer, then it's always a good idea to give them the latest model iPad. With the new iPad, Apple has delivered a better screen and an improved processor that should make employees even more productive than they might have been with the older model.

Mac Pro

For those companies with employees who have more sophisticated needs or don't need to travel for business, choosing the Mac Pro might be a good option. However, the high-powered computer is expensive. Customers can expect to pay at least $2,500 for a new one. But it's far more powerful than anything else Apple sells.

iMac

Since many office workers have no need to travel, but have a real need for a desktop computer, giving them iMacs might be a good idea. "Apple's all-in-one PC is relatively cheap, starting at just $1,199, and comes with a slick design. Best of all, it works quite well for users who don't need sophisticated features."

MacBook Air

The MacBook Air is the road warrior's favorite Apple device. The computer comes in the customer's choice of 11- and 13-inch models, and is designed to be both lightweight and ultrathin. It's the best option yet for customers looking to be mobile and get some work done.

Mac Mini Server

The Mac Mini Server isn't necessarily the best option for a larger enterprise, but for a small company looking for a server to improve overall productivity in the office, the Mac Mini option isn't a bad choice. It's a little expensive at $999, but for smaller operations, it'll work just fine.

OS X Mountain Lion

Apple's OS X Mountain Lion launched in July, and has already proven popular among corporate buyers. And why not? It delivers all the functionality found in Apple's Lion platform, but has more than 200 enhancements, including better security.

MacBook Pro

Apple's MacBook Pro is the device that enterprise road warriors lust after. The device delivers the power of a desktop, but the look and feel popularized by Apple's MacBook Air. It's not a cheap offering. Customers can expect to pay nearly $2,000 to start. But it will certainly handle most tasks a company can throw at it.

Apple Thunderbolt Display

The Apple Thunderbolt Display is often overlooked because it costs $999. But what it lacks in affordability it makes up for in beautiful image quality and the ability to daisy-chain different products to the back of it for extra functionality. What that means is customers can hook up everything, from storage devices to mobile devices, and use all of them right from the display.

Apple TV

The Apple TV might not seem like it makes sense in this roundup. However, consider that in order for users to run their Mac screens or iPad displays on an HDTV through AirPlay, they're going to need an Apple TV. It's a great way to share a presentation. And for $99, the Apple TV is awfully cheap.